The Audio Academy Festival
The Audio Academy Festival returns on Thursday 1st October 2026 with an unmissable day of inspiring ideas, passionate discussion and joyful celebration. Once again, we're delighted to invite you to join us at the Royal College of Physicians in Regents Park, London.
The Audio Academy Festival 2026 celebrates the power of UK audio on a global stage — exploring international co-productions, new creative partnerships, and the UK talent and shows making waves around the world. This is where audio comes first.
Set within the stunning surroundings of The Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park, London, this intimate one-day festival brings together the brightest minds in radio, podcasting and audio storytelling.
Across four stages, listen to an inspiring programme of talks, panels and immersive audio experiences, alongside unrivalled opportunities to connect directly with leading voices from across the industry.
Your Festival pass includes:
- Access to all talks, panels and immersive experiences
- One-to-one pitching opportunities with commissioners and decision-makers
- Networking with colleagues, collaborators and future industry talent
- Insight from industry leaders shaping the future of global audio
- Practical advice on international growth, partnerships and production
Hear first-hand how today’s audio leaders achieved international success, discover the opportunities and challenges of taking content global, and explore the growing influence of audio in a rapidly changing world.
More details about booking a place for One-to-One: Meet the Commissioners will be shared with ticket holders in due course.
Whether you’re an established industry professional or just beginning your journey in audio, the Audio Academy Festival remains one of the most important and inspiring events in the UK audio calendar.
Secure your place now and join the conversations shaping the future of audio.
TICKETS:
We are pleased to once again offer an early bird rate and a concessionary rate for independent freelancers and those working in micro-businesses (of one person) who are self-funding.
- Member tickets - £199 +VAT
- Non member tickets - £220+VAT (including a £10 discount on membership if you join by the end of October)
- A Freelancer Early ticket - £159 +VAT - this is available for independent freelancers or micro-businesses (with 1 person) who book before end of June.
- We're also offering Concessionary Tickets at £83+VAT for people on low incomes*
- Check back soon for details of our bursary scheme.
*Discounted tickets are limited and targeted at individuals - please do not apply for these if your company is funding your ticket. Low earning is defined as living wage or below. Discounts only available while stocks last and subject to T&Cs. You may be asked for proof of eligibility.
Please note that this event is 18+.
2025 Festival Line Up
June Sarpong OBE, Author and Broadcaster
Christian O'Connell, Broadcaster
Valerie Geller, Global Broadcast Consultant and President of Geller Media International
Jonathan Munro,
BBC News Global Director and Deputy CEO, BBC News & Current Affairs
Tony Phillips,
Director and Founder of Sea Salt and Mango
Kobi Omenaka, Founder Stripped Media
Professor Catherine Loveday, Professor of Neuropsychology and Presenter, BBC Radio 3 Unwind
Dr Sian Williams, Journalist and Presenter, BBC Radio 3 Unwind
Kevin Duala, Presenter & Producer, BBC Radio Merseyside
Scout Tzofiya Bolton, Presenter, Prison Radio Association
Jon Holmes, Director, Unusual Productions
Dan McQuillin, Managing Director, Broadcast Bionics
Laura Fisher, Audio Analyst MIDiA Research
Axel Kacoutié, Audio Artist and Poet
Julia Hobsbawm OBE,
Writer, Broadcaster, Founder and CEO of Workathon and The World Work Organization
Nick Ryan, Sound Designer, Artist and Composer
Phil Maguire OBE, Chief Executive, Prison Radio Association
Richie Brave, Presenter
Penny Murphy, Editor Crossing Continents and Antisocial, and Assignment , BBC
Monica Whitlock, Producer and Reporter, BBC
Pulama Kaufman, Producer, Audio Always
Paul Fernley, Business Development Director, Audio Always
Mim Shaikh, Broadcaster and Actor
Sangita Myska, Presenter
Ellen Orchard, Producer, Prison Radio
Sam Jackson, Controller, BBC Radio 3 & BBC Proms
Eleanor McDowall, Director, Falling Tree Productions
Alan Hall, Director, Falling Tree Productions
Hannah Southern, Commercial Lead, Podcast Discovery
Steve Taylor, Creative Commercial Director, Bauer Media
Keyari Page, Senior Podcaster and Radio Producer
Andi Durrant
Will Wilkin, Commissioning Executive, BBC Music
Emi Geddes, UK and Germany Acquisition Lead, Patreon
Ben Anderson, Executive Editor, BBC Radio Merseyside
Jennifer Keogh, Assistant Commissioner, BBC Radio 2
Jess Robbins, Senior content Producer, BBC Radio Merseyside
Tom Price, Presenter, Magic Radio
Lulu Davis, Artist Manager, Bands Management
Sonali Shah, Broadcaster, Magic Radio
Remember Monday
Daniel Rosney, Presenter, BBC
Gordon Corera, Co-Host, The Rest is Classified
Alison Hindell, Commissioning editor - Drama & Ficton, BBC Radio 4
Galleries
Previous Years
The Festival is a one-day event in the centre of London - check out some of the photos from our most recent events, and click through for more details